Steven Macon Greer, born on June 28, 1955, in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an American ufologist and a retired physician. He is notably recognized for founding the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CSETI) and the Disclosure Project. The latter aims for the disclosure of alleged classified UFO information.
In his early life, Greer claims to have witnessed an unidentified flying object at close range when he was just eight years old and another sighting when he was 18. He was trained as a Transcendental Meditation teacher and even served as the director of a meditation organization. Greer pursued his B.S. degree in biology from Appalachian State University in 1982 and later earned an M.D. degree from the James H. Quillen College of Medicine of East Tennessee State University in 1987. He began his career as an emergency room physician but retired in 1998 to focus on his ufology activities.
In the realm of ufology, Greer established CSETI in 1990 with the objective of creating a research-based initiative to establish contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. He also introduced the concept of CE-5 or ‘close encounters of the fifth kind’ as human-initiated contact and communication with extraterrestrial beings. In 1993, he initiated the Disclosure Project with the goal of publicly revealing the government’s alleged knowledge about UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence, and advanced energy and propulsion systems. Greer has also been involved in various documentaries and has written extensively on the subject.
Early Life and Education
Steven M. Greer was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1955. From a young age, he had experiences that piqued his interest in the unknown; he claims to have seen an unidentified flying object at close range when he was just eight years old. Another such sighting occurred when he was 18.
In terms of education, Greer delved into spiritual practices and was trained as a Transcendental Meditation teacher. He even took on the role of director for a meditation organization. On the academic front, he pursued a B.S. degree in biology from Appalachian State University, graduating in 1982. His passion for medicine led him to the James H. Quillen College of Medicine of East Tennessee State University, where he earned his M.D. degree in 1987. After completing his medical education, he received his Virginia medical license in 1989 and began his career as an emergency room physician.
Career
Steven M. Greer is prominently known for his contributions to ufology. In 1990, he founded the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CSETI) with the aim of creating a research-based initiative to contact extraterrestrial civilizations. He introduced the concept of CE-5, or ‘close encounters of the fifth kind’, which is defined as human-initiated contact with extraterrestrial beings.
In 1993, Greer launched the Disclosure Project. Its primary goal is to publicly disclose the government’s alleged knowledge about UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence, and advanced energy and propulsion systems. Greer has claimed to have briefed officials, including the CIA director, about UFOs, although some of these claims have been disputed.
Over the years, Greer has been involved in various documentaries that detail his work and hypotheses regarding extraterrestrial life, government cover-ups, and close encounters. He has also written extensively on the subject, further establishing his position in the field of ufology.
Controversy
- Claims and Counterclaims: Greer has made several claims regarding his interactions with high-ranking officials. For instance, he asserts to have briefed CIA director James Woolsey at a dinner party about UFOs. However, Woolsey disputes the accuracy of Greer’s claim, challenging the veracity of the briefing.
- Documentary – Sirius: In 2013, Greer co-produced a documentary titled “Sirius,” which delved into his work and theories about extraterrestrial life, government cover-ups, and close encounters of the fifth kind. A significant part of the documentary focused on a six-inch human skeleton known as the Atacama skeleton. Greer and his team claimed it was an alien skeleton. However, genetic evidence later demonstrated that it was human, with genetic markers found in “indigenous women from the Chilean region of South America.” The director of the center that analyzed the skeleton stated it was an “interesting medical mystery of an unfortunate human with a series of birth defects.”
- Film Criticisms: Greer’s documentary “Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind: Contact has Begun,” released in April 2020, received mixed reviews. Owen Gleiberman, writing for Variety, described the film as “fantasy propaganda” and likened Greer to a “’70s computer nerd played by John Waters with a touch of Guy Pearce.” Noel Murray, a critic for the Los Angeles Times, mentioned that the film was “overlong and rambling.” John Defore of The Hollywood Reporter commented that the film “is far too impassioned in its nuttiness” and criticized Greer for not providing clear photographic evidence of UFOs despite his claims of summoning them for decades.
Impact on Ufology
Steven M. Greer, an American ufologist and retired physician, has left an indelible mark on the field of ufology. His contributions have both advanced and polarized discussions on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial life.
One of Greer’s most significant contributions is the establishment of the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CSETI) in 1990. CSETI’s mission is not just to research UFO sightings but to establish diplomatic communication with extraterrestrial civilizations. This proactive approach, termed CE-5 or ‘close encounters of the fifth kind’, emphasizes human-initiated contact, a concept that was groundbreaking at the time.
In 1993, Greer launched the Disclosure Project, aiming to unveil the government’s alleged knowledge about UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence, and advanced energy systems. The project’s press conference in 2001 garnered significant media attention, with testimonies from retired military and intelligence officers. This event was pivotal in pushing the UFO discourse into mainstream conversation, urging transparency from governmental bodies.
However, Greer’s work has not been without controversy. His claims, documentaries, and methods have often been met with skepticism, both from within the ufology community and the broader public. Critics argue that some of his assertions lack empirical evidence, leading to polarized opinions about his contributions.
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Conclusion
Steven M. Greer stands as a prominent figure in the realm of ufology. As a retired physician, he transitioned into a passionate advocate for the disclosure of information related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Through initiatives like the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CSETI) and the Disclosure Project, Greer has sought to bridge the gap between the unknown and the public, pushing for transparency and understanding. While his work has been groundbreaking for many, it has also been a subject of contention and skepticism. Regardless of the varied opinions about him, Greer’s influence in the discourse surrounding extraterrestrial phenomena is undeniable, making him a pivotal character in the ongoing narrative of UFO research and awareness.